It is safe to say that Arsenal have finally got their mojo as they came from behind to win against Manchester City at Wembley. Away form was a huge psychological barrier for the Gunners of late and overcoming that will give them chunks of confidence.
They have been effective at home, where they host Leicester City next. And the Foxes’ poor record against them at their backyard could mean the side looking at a comfortable win.
Team News- Among the crucial injuries, centre-half Shkodran Mustafi could continue to be an exception from the squad. It shouldn’t be a huge problem for Arsenal given how comfortable they looked without him in the last two matches. The German international is out with a thigh injury for over a week now and it is unlikely that his return will place him directly in the first team. He is yet to adapt to the three-man defence and would surely need time.
The other doubts are Lucas Perez with a thigh injury and Mathieu Debuchy with a hamstring. Alex Oxlade had also left Wembley on crutches and although the manager explained it as a precautionary measure for a slight knock, he has a chance of missing the game. The long-term injury list remains the same for Santiago Cazorla and Jeff Rene-Adelaide. David Ospina is closer to returning from his back injury though.
All said, fatigue will definitely play a part for Arsenal who had to go through gruelling 120 minutes in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Leicester City- Leicester City, though well rested since their hard-fought draw with Atletico Madrid, will be missing some key players going into the game. Wes Morgan remains sidelined for the game after picking up yet another injury (hamstring) during the Atletico game. Islam Slimani is also expected to miss the game with the groin injury he has incurred.
Nampalys Mendy joins Molla Wague in the list of long-term injuries as he underwent surgery for his ankle injury. He will miss rest of the season.
Predicted Line-up
Arsenal- Cech; Gabriel, Koscielny, Holding; Bellerin, Coquelin, Xhaka, Gibbs; Sanchez, Ozil; Welbeck
Leicester City- Schmeichel; Simpson, Huth, Morgan, Fuchs; Mahrez, Ndidi, Drinkwater, Albrighton; Okazaki, Vardy
Key Players
Arsenal- Alexis Sanchez will definitely leading the line among the list of Arsenal’s key players going into the game. The Chilean international got the all-important winner against Manchester City last game and it was his will to get to the ball faster than anyone in the congested penalty box is what made the difference.
Mesut Ozil had completely fuelled out by the end of the game and missed some sitters, but he seems to enjoy his advanced role alongside Sanchez well.
Leicester City- Jamie Vardy will be the dangerman from Leicester’s side in the absence of Slimani. The star forward has got back his form after Craig Shakespeare took charge of the club. Apart from him, Riyad Mahrez could create problems for the left flank for Arsenal.
Betting Odds
Arsenal @ 1.60
Draw @ 4.50
Leicester City @ 5.75
